Understanding The Rise And Fall Of Chippendales: The Story Behind The Series

If you are a fan ofI Love You, Now Die, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and The Staircase, you will not want to miss Welcome to Chippendales on Hulu. The eight-part series, which airs every Tuesday on the streaming platform, explores the creation of Chippendales, the first male-stripper dance troupe in the U.S., and the rise and catastrophic fall of its founder, Somen "Steve" Banerjee. This show gives an inside look at the scandalous world of male entertainment and the complex lives of those involved.

As seen in Welcome to Chippendales, the success of Chippendales would not have reached its heights without the contributions of Steve's wife Irene, Emmy-winning director and choreographer Nick De Noia, model and actress Dorothy Stratten, and Steve Banerjee's talented team of dancers. The intricate web of relationships and events surrounding the Chippendales story is both fascinating and tragic.

Impeachment star and Tony-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford brings Irene to life in the series, providing viewers with a critical look at her character's role in the Chippendales phenomenon. Newsweek has everything you need to know about the real Irene Banerjee, her life, and her legacy.

Who Was Steve Banerjee's Wife Irene?

In Welcome to Chippendales Episode 2, we learn that Steve Banerjee met his wife Irene through his company, Chippendales. The real Irene Banerjee was believed to be an accountant, just like her character in the series. They married in the 1980s, and Irene is thought to have stood by her husband until his death in 1994.

Unfortunately, very little is known about the real Irene, as show creator Robert Siegel has based the series on real-life events and people. However, some details about Irene's character were imagined to add depth to her story, as the creators aimed to provide a compelling narrative.

In preparing for her role as Irene, Annaleigh Ashford expressed her challenges due to the lack of information about the real Irene. She emphasized the importance of understanding the time period and the treatment of women during that era, which helped her craft a more authentic portrayal of Irene's character.

When Steve Banerjee was arrested in 1994 for attempted arson, racketeering, and murder-for-hire, Irene reportedly organized a group of character witnesses for him, hoping to reduce his impending sentence of 26 years. This act illustrates the complexity of their relationship and the pressures Irene faced during a tumultuous time.

What Happened To Steve Banerjee's Wife Irene?

After Steve Banerjee's death, his wife Irene inherited Chippendales and all aspects of the business. Unfortunately, very little is known about Irene before her death from breast cancer in February 2001. According to the U.S. Sun, before she died, Irene Banerjee sold the Chippendales brand for $2.5 million to a private owner, although the timeline of this transaction remains unclear.

During the early 2000s, investors included notable figures like former boy band manager Lou Pearlman and entrepreneur Kevin Denberg. Chippendales remains a prominent entertainment brand today, known for its performances that are described as a "fantastic, sex-god, abs party that will make you lose your damn mind," with a residency at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Irene and Steve Banerjee were survived by their two children, Christian and Lindsay. While the Banerjee family is no longer involved in the Chippendales franchise, Christian has pursued a path similar to his father's by establishing "Strippendales" in 2020. He expressed a deep connection to his father's legacy, aiming to continue what his father started.

As the story unfolds in Welcome to Chippendales, viewers are given a glimpse into the complex lives of those behind the glitzy facade of the male entertainment industry, highlighting both the triumphs and tragedies that defined their experiences.